[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1020-E1021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO BRET KELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to the life of Bret Kelly, who recently 
passed away at the age of 79. Bret was a pillar of the Pueblo, Colorado 
community and, as his family mourns his loss, I think it is appropriate 
that we remember his life and celebrate the work he did on behalf of 
others.
  Born in Rocky Ford, Colorado, Bret attended Centennial High School in 
1940. After graduating, he enrolled at the University of Colorado, 
though his studies there were interrupted when he answered the call to 
serve our nation in the US Army infantry in World War II. Bret's 
service in the war included fighting in the historic Battle of the 
Bulge, in which he suffered severe shrapnel wounds to his arm and back. 
At the conclusion of his time in the armed forces, Bret was awarded 
both the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for the 
uncommon valor that he displayed in the service of our nation.
   Bret was a shining example of a man thoroughly involved in his 
community. He was named Citizen of the Year in 2001 by the Greater 
Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and was lauded for having a profound 
influence on the entire Pueblo community. As a member of the Pueblo 
Board of Water Works and over a dozen community organizations, Bret's 
passion and involvement in the lives of his neighbors was an 
inspiration to all who knew him. His early financial support of the 
Pueblo Hispanic Education Fund made a difference in the lives of 
countless students. As the head of Steel City Agencies, Inc., Bret took 
an active interest in each of his 46 employees, promoting their 
continuing education and encouraging them to join him in giving back to 
their community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Bret Kelly for his 
contributions to the Pueblo area. Bret's dedication to his community, 
employees and family certainly deserves the recognition of this body of 
Congress. Although

[[Page E1021]]

Bret has left us, his good-natured spirit lives on through the lives of 
those he has touched. I would like to extend my thoughts and deepest 
sympathies to Bret's family and friends during this difficult time.

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